The story behind

"I have not been handicapped by my condition. I am physically challenged and differently able" - Janet Barnes, longest-lived quadriplegic

Through blurred vision, I saw the asphalt reflect the scorching heat of summer’s sunshine. My ears ringing. My heart racing. My mind went into overdrive. What had just happened

Where did I go wrong

Why couldn’t I raise my arm

The ringing in my ears slowly dissipated and I heard my brother run to me with an alarming voice.

“Are you okay!”

Was I okay

This didn’t feel like the other times. Something was different.

They say that the best things in life are free. That it is the simple things in life that matters most. For the next few months after the accident, I reflected upon my life temporarily disabled and dependent on others. While I only suffered a broken clavicle, the incident made me think deeply about those who continue to inspire me - those living with ‘permanent’ disabilities.

I have seen and met many who disregard their physical shortcomings. The blind cardiac rehab patient diligently setting up her stationary bicycle. The patient with fibromyalgia bringing joy to others. The patient with ataxia constantly smiling and laughing. And, the paraplegic effortlessly performing pull ups at the gym. While they all have different physical shortcomings, one thing remained constant - their unwillingness to quit.

To deny others the ability to look down upon them. To face adversity with bravery. To know that they can still pursue what they might have been. To smile at life’s challenges.

These are my heroes.

Wings for Life is a global non-profit organization aimed to find a cure for spinal cord injury - a debilitating and life-altering injury that can happen to anyone. I am continuously inspired by individuals with spinal cord injury as I watch them perform both ambitious and simple feats, such as competing in Ironman triathlons to shining a bright smile to those they meet.

These individuals are my heroes, but even Batman needs Robin, Bonnie needs Clyde, and Sherlock Holmes needs Dr. Watson. Without their trusty sidekicks, these heroes would not be who they are today. Can we be trusty sidekicks to those who suffer from spinal cord injury

Can we help these heroes overcome spinal cord injury by finding a cure

I think we can and we must.

Life is uncertain. No one can predict whether we will be able to get up freely from our bed or to walk to our favorite restaurant next year or even tomorrow. By donating to the Wings for Life Foundation, you will not only help those dealing with spinal cord injury now, but you will be helping our future generations to have one less battle to fight. By supporting medical research, we can be that much closer to finding a cure for spinal cord injury.

My heroes inspire me because they are disabled yet strong, diligent, smart, determined, and sanguine.

Imagine what we could do if we eliminated ‘disabled’.

“A true friend knows your weaknesses but shows you your strengths: feels your fears but fortifies your faith: sees your anxieties but frees your spirit: recognizes your disabilities but emphasizes your possibilities.” - William Arthur Ward

26 donation(s) for “Project D&S”